South Africa: Gordhan’s Re-Appointment Will Not Fix Damage Caused By Zuma – Lekota

The re-appointment late on Sunday of former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan in his old post will not fix the damage caused by President Jacob Zuma’s ousting of Nhlanhla Nene last week, according to Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota.

“Not even the introduction of Mr Gordhan can make right the value of damage that has been caused,” he told Fin24 after hearing the news.

Lekota was reacting to the news that Gordhan was appointed as the new finance minister in an about turn just four days after David van Rooyen took over from Nene.

“It is quite clear this country needs leadership,” he said. “The best thing for Mr Zuma is for him to just move out of office.

“The country just needs to find someone else to take control of things and guide our nation’s fortune into the future,” he said.

“News that Pravin Gordhan has had to replace David van Rooyen after two days in office is without doubt because Zuma has a complete loss of what to do,” he said. “He has no idea where to take the country.”

Lekota said there has been a huge amount of uncertainty following Zuma’s shock announcement that unknown back bencher David van Rooyen would take over the nation’s coffers.

“The mood in the country and abroad is one of complete uncertainty as to what is next and as to the management of South Africa,” he said.